Classical singer Will Martin, 24, was performing aboard the Ocean Village in October and November of 2006 when his career really took off -- Martin was discovered by talent scouts on the ship, landing him a record deal and, eventually, a number one album.

It wasn't entirely happenstance, however. The young New Zealander sent out a demo CD to record companies while he was onboard the ship, in the hope they would come to see him perform in the theatre. EMI was the first to board Ocean Village while it was in the Mediterranean. Representatives from Universal Music followed when the ship was out in Antigua.

Martin ended up signing the deal with Universal Music and has now made musical history -- last Sunday, he became the youngest tenor to top the classical charts in the U.K.

Ironically, his album "A New World" hit the number one spot while he was performing back on the ship at the weekend. The album also hit number 21 in the overall U.K. album chart in its first week of sale.

Martin, who also took part in Ocean Village Two's launch events last year, will be back performing on selected Ocean Village cruises in 2009.